Loratadine
Also known as: Clarityn, Claritin, Alavert
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies. * **Administration:** Can be given with or without food. If vomiting occurs, try giving with a small meal. * **Toxicity Warning:** > **NEVER** give your pet a product containing a decongestant (like pseudoephedrine, often found in 'D' formulations like Claritin-D). These are extremely toxic to pets. * **Expectations:** It may take a few days of consistent use to see the full benefit for chronic skin allergies. It is generally less sedating than older antihistamines like Benadryl.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Mild lethargy or sedation (rare compared to first-generation antihistamines)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Decreased tear production
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to loratadine or desloratadine
- Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment
- Use with caution in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)
- Use with caution in animals with **hepatic impairment**, as loratadine is extensively metabolized in the liver. Dose adjustments may be necessary. > **Allergy Testing:** Antihistamines should be withdrawn at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to intradermal allergy testing to prevent false-negative results.
Drug interactions
- Ketoconazole: May inhibit the metabolism of loratadine, increasing plasma concentrations
- Erythromycin: May inhibit the metabolism of loratadine, increasing plasma concentrations
- Cimetidine: May inhibit the metabolism of loratadine, increasing plasma concentrations
- Amiodarone: May increase loratadine levels via CYP inhibition
Frequently asked questions
What is Loratadine used for in pets?
Loratadine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies. * **Administration:** Can be given with or without food. If vomiting occurs, try giving with a small meal. * **Toxicity Warning:** > **NEVER** give your pet a product containing a decongestant (like pseudoephedrine, often found in 'D' formulations like Claritin-D). These are extremely toxic to pets. * **Expectations:** It may take a few days of consistent use to see the full benefit for chronic skin allergies. It is generally less sedating than older antihistamines like Benadryl.
Is Loratadine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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